For the love of teaching
General Reviews
I do believe that the hardest job in the world is that of a teacher. Throughout my career I have had a few opportunities to teach students through volunteering, with one of my most rewarding experiences being that of teaching at one school for a year, once a month, to various grades about science and technology. I have had many jobs, some with long hours, the longest being a 30 hours shift non-stop, but I have never been as tired as I was after 1 day of teaching students. I remember how I would come home after that 8 hour day of teaching and be physically and mentally exhausted. I would just lie down with all the lights off because I couldn't talk to anyone or think of anything as my body and mind were drained. How teachers do that, day in and day out, their entire career, teaching to nearly 30 students every day, I will never know. Honestly, teachers are incredible people.
It may have been that awe that I have for teachers that first made me interested in the TV series Abbott Elementary. It is a series that takes place at the titular school Abbott Elementary, and it centers around five teachers, their not typical principal, and their one of a kind janitor. The series walks us through the teachers love of teaching, their constant work to make their students' lives better, the growth of each character, the relationships amongst each other, and constant trial, tribulations, and plain fun. The series starts in the school but it also evolves into learning more about each character and their lives outside of the school. My awe of teachers is the main reason I started watching, but it is how the series has this true heart that has made it my TV obsession, watching it morning, lunch, and dinner.
Each episode makes the audience feel so many feelings. It can go from ridiculousness of a situation, such as having to teach in an abandoned mall, which has you fully laughing out loud, all the way to the seriousness of the loss of a loved one, or a tough relationship with a parent. I have been moved to tears as much as I have cried from laughter. There are very few series that so well walk this delicate balance between humour and seriousness, and that is what it gives it such heart. It reminded me of Scrubs, where the comedy is so out there, but then it brings you back to reality, and the hardest things are easier to take due to that comedy.
Another thing I love about Abbott Elementary is how much one gets to grow with each character. I have to admit, I didn't love the characters on first watching. They all had something that made them feel awkward, but that is what was so perfect, that is what made them so human. It was through all the trials, as they grow, the audience grows with them, knowing the many different character traits, the good, the bad, the ugly, and that is what makes you fall in love with them. Just like with any relationship in real life, the friendships that are the most worthwhile are those that outlast all of the things that life throws at them, and I feel so close to each character now. I just want to keep knowing more and more about them. I want more episodes!
I also have to mention that seeing a series that is focused on the black experience has been amazing. I have to admit that I have not watched many series that focuses primarily on the experience of black people. I remember growing up watching The Proud Family, and That's so Raven. Definitely it is on me to search for more of these types of stories, and I am so happy to have found it in Abbott Elementary. The series was created by Quinta Brunson who also plays one of the main characters Janine Teagues. Quinta created Abbott based on her own experience growing up in Philadelphia and also of her mother's experience as a teacher. That is also likely why the show has such heart, and it always feel so honest.
I am now almost done all 5 seasons, three more episodes to go, I hope there will be more!
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